Telling stories about time—Hermès has been doing just that since 1928. In 1978, the launch of the Arceau model marked the brand’s entry into an era of creative expression. As in literature, the goal is to make the narrative clear, aesthetically engaging, and captivating. Arceau stood out with a custom-designed typeface—an approach that has since helped define the identity of each Hermès watch collection.
In 2021, with the debut of the Hermès H08—an elegant blend of sportiness and sophistication—the Parisian maison answered the call of design enthusiasts looking for unique timepieces full of character, but never superficial.
“Typography is an integral part of our watches at Hermès,” says Philippe Delhotal, Creative Director of the brand. “Our numerals are designed to be ergonomic and functional first and foremost. I look for aesthetics that fit seamlessly into the overall design of the model. It’s a key element in achieving visual balance, and it’s considered from the very start of the creative process. Typography tells a watch’s story and echoes the spirit of the piece. It’s a reflection that should never be underestimated.”
The style of the numerals plays a vital role. It must be in harmony with the watch’s overall design, Delhotal explains. “The typefaces on Hermès watches also draw on stylistic and geometric elements inspired by the case or the origin of the design. For instance, on the Arceau, the numbers lean inward toward the center of the dial, evoking a horse galloping in a ring. For the Slim d’Hermès, we collaborated with Philippe Apeloig, a French graphic designer closely tied to the maison—it was his first foray into watchmaking. We wanted a typeface for the Slim d’Hermès that was unique and unlike anything else in the industry. The typography needed to be light, pared-down, and in perfect harmony with the minimalist spirit of the watch.”
“As for the typography of the Hermès H08, it is readable and functional,” says Delhotal. “It doesn’t stand out awkwardly but integrates harmoniously into the watch as a whole. You can see stylistic and geometric echoes of the case in the numbers: the 0, for example, reflects the shape of the bezel, while the 8 mirrors the contours of the case. There’s a visual dialogue between the 'emptiness' of the 0 and the infinite loop of the 8.”
The latest aesthetic variations of the Hermès H08 take full advantage of this ability to put every element of the dial in sync with the case’s unconventional shape, machined from titanium. Finishes like sandblasted rhodium, circular satin-brushing, and graining create depth and contrast. Despite the nearly monochrome presentation, legibility remains excellent. The hour and minute hands, along with the numerals, are coated with luminescent material for easy readability. Even the discreetly placed date, integrated into the minute track, doesn’t disrupt the clean design.
A new version featuring blue Saint-Cyr luminescent material gives the Hermès H08 a fresh, summery feel. This touch of color enhances the layout and emphasizes the sporty spirit of the watch—something expressed not just through design but also function. “The seconds hand is positioned at the center of the dial,” Delhotal notes, “which is unconventional in traditional watchmaking. This setup almost evokes a gauge or instrument, reinforcing the athletic character of the piece. We even relocated the date window to give full space to the typography, all while respecting the geometry and architecture of the circle. We also worked on the finishing and the shape of the material on every dial, while maintaining consistency across all versions.”
Here, the function speaks just as strongly as the form.
